EXHIBIT 5

                                                    April 26, 2001


Dynamics Research Corporation
60 Frontage Road
Andover, Massachusetts  01810

Ladies and Gentlemen:

     This opinion is furnished to you in connection with a registration
statement on Form S-8 (the "Registration Statement"), filed with the Securities
and Exchange Commission under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, for the
registration of 800,000 shares of common stock, $0.10 par value (the "Shares"),
of Dynamics Research Corporation, a Massachusetts corporation (the "Company").

     We have acted as counsel for the Company and are familiar with the actions
taken by the Company in connection with the Company's 2000 Employee Stock
Purchase Plan (the "Plan"). For purposes of this opinion, we have examined the
Plan and such other documents, records, certificates, and other instruments as
we have deemed necessary. We have assumed that the exercise price will be not
less than the par value and that at the time of exercise there will be adequate
authorized but unissued common stock.

     Based on the foregoing, we are of the opinion that the Shares have been
duly authorized and, as and when the Shares are issued and sold and
consideration is received therefor by the Company in accordance with the terms
of the Plan, the Shares will be validly issued, fully paid, and non-assessable.

     We hereby consent to your filing this opinion as an exhibit to the
Registration Statement. It is understood that this opinion is to be used only in
connection with the offer and sale of the Shares while the Registration
Statement is in effect.


                                             Very truly yours,

                                             /s/ Ropes & Gray

                                             ROPES & GRAY